To get to the mass popularity of marathon running or IM, it'd need to be something you could do in a day, something that could be done anywhere in the world (within reason) and something that didn't cost an absolute fortune to do (IM isn't cheap, but it's affordable compared with (say) sailing. Ultra running probably fits the bill best, but it won't be a 20 day event.

As for trenta-deca, I'm with FB - I'd rather shoot his brains out than do 30 IM back to back.

most of the more extreme ultras now require qualification points - they're not just rock up and give it a go type events. that kind of sorts the chaff from the wheat so only those who have shown a certain level of ability get a chance to race but sadly it also makes getting an entry a lottery which many of these events now operate.

I'm imagining a post-apocalyptic future where all the fossil fuels have run out and the London Marathon is sponsored by BP. Everyone's plugged into a manual treadmill and the winner is the person who can generate the most electricity over 2 hours of running.

I'm thinking it will be adventure racing. They're already getting quite popular. I don't mean the extreme 7 day ones where any sleep taken adds to your time - but the one or two day events. Accessible to most people over a weekend.

I'm imagining a post-apocalyptic future where all the fossil fuels have run out and the London Marathon is sponsored by BP. Everyone's plugged into a manual treadmill and the winner is the person who can generate the most electricity over 2 hours of running.

most of the more extreme ultras now require qualification points - they're not just rock up and give it a go type events. that kind of sorts the chaff from the wheat so only those who have shown a certain level of ability get a chance to race but sadly it also makes getting an entry a lottery which many of these events now operate.

Ahh, I suppose that's a good thing. The risk of serious injury for the unprepared on a course like Badwater must be huge.

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